Desalination

A natural solution for drinking water, now practical

Decline in drinking water quality is affecting millions in developing countries.

Though many remediation technologies are available, for common people
it’s a distinct dream and many options lack appropriateness.

Sunlight is the most abundant natural resource in the world. Areas reeling
under water stress receive 200-350 sunny days a year.

Renewably, steam is the purest form of

water. Solar Desalination/ Distillation
involves heating of raw water,
producing steam and condensing
steam into drinking water.

Dissolved Solids level in Solar Distilled water is less

than 3 ppm and Bacteria free. The water is 100%
safe, with no taste of hardness.

Solar Desalination is a compact and point of use treatment for chemical, physical and
biological contaminants in drinking water

Solar Desalination is applicable in all areas with ‘sunlight” and facing water contaminations from sea water,
excess of iron, fluoride, nitrates, arsenic, calcium hardness etc. The temperature developed inside the still is over
85 0 Cel. During rainy days, the still can be altered for Rain Water collection if needed. Up to 90% of the input
water is recovered as distilled water, ecologically sound and no energy costs.
Test outcome
Dissolved Solids level Microbial load (E coli.)
Input water 500 ppm 125 X10 5
Output water 3 ppm No growth

Each solar still is 120 cm long and 60 cm wide with a collector area of 0.7 Sq. m. FLAT PLATE SOLAR DISTILLATION
still is capable of producing 2.5 - 3.5 liters of water per still per day, catering need for one person. Hence, 4 solar
stills placed in an array can produce 10-14 liters of fresh water for whole family drinking and cooking demand.

Each solar still cost between Rs. 800-900 (US$ 18-20) and can be fabricated with locally available materials
mainly aluminum and glass (No photovoltaic cells are used). The excess salts deposited is self washed out and
needs minimal supervision, except daily feeding of any poor quality water.

Solar stills are light weight, durable with no moving parts and can be easily placed/fixed on roof tops or on
ground(thickness 3 cm only), where maximum sunlight falls. Input water can be fed using a hoist if needed.

Through participatory technology development process, PLANET Kerala has been innovating its applicability
since 2004, towards producing drinking water at various coastal households.
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Impure water

Feeding of input water

early in the morn ing

Excess wash Collection of

water distilled water in Pure Water
if any the evening

PLANET Kerala is now offering technology facilitation to NGO’s, Donors,

Foundations and other agencies involved in addressing water issues in various
locations. A tailor made technology transfer program is underway in
accordance with the local water and geographical factors. This total
package will also involve necessary skill development for local persons to
replicate solar stills locally (ideal for SHGs or Micro Entrepreneurs). Partner
center can thus gain this appropriate technology for addressing most water
issues prevailing in respective operational areas.

Additionally, for addressing larger/community water demands, we have also

evolved Rainwater injection process called “Backwashing” essentially a
groundwater exchange process for incrementing surface water quality, and
Phytoremediation -using plants to absorb excess contaminants in water.

Comparing with other water treatment options

⇒ Compact and light weight

⇒ Very low cost -only Rs. 300 (US$ 7)/liter production capacity
⇒ Operating cost - ZERO
⇒ No movable parts and no consumables
⇒ Complete treatment of water using renewable energy
⇒ More than 90% feed water recovery
⇒ No fouling or scaling problem

Please write to us about water scenario in the intended areas and organizational background towards building
a partnership.

St. Mary’s Building Complex, II floor

Pattom, Trivandrum 695 004, India
Tel. + 91 471 3295944
Fax. + 91 471 2557516
Email info@planetkerala.org planetkerala@rediffmail.com
Website www.planetkerala.org

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October 2006